Xbox One Invitation ad puts focus back on to gaming

Microsoft has released a new Xbox One ad entitled “Invitation” that puts the focus of the console back on gaming.

The latest official Xbox YouTube channel clip is pretty much the exact opposite of the Xbox One launch event, where Microsoft branded it the “all-in-one” console.

Where the launch event focused on non-gaming features of the Xbox One like the new Kinect, HDMI in/out and TV integration, the new Invitation ad really emphasises the gaming immersion offered by the next-generation console.

Titles like Titanfall, FIFA 14, Forza 5 and Dead Rising 3 dominate the majority of the Xbox One ad, with the movies and entertainment features only given the briefest of mentions.

Hey, even Steven Gerrard gets his own little cameo.

“This is an invitation from the all-in-one Xbox One”, states the ad in the final seconds, just to remind watchers.

Just last week, Sony released its PS4 “PlayStation – Since 95” advert, celebrating the incoming PS4 release date with a touch of nostalgia. The video ran through the evolution of the PlayStation console, from the original PlayStation in 1995 to the upcoming PS4 console.

Sony also launched the official PS4 TV ad earlier this month alongside the dedicated website. The Japanese electronics manufacturer opted to use live action to reference the various PS4 launch titles like Killzone: Shadow Fall and DriveClub during the ad, rather than relying on game footage.

It seems both Sony and Microsoft are ramping up the marketing campaign for their PS4 and Xbox One launches next month.

Microsoft has scheduled the Xbox One release date for November 22, beating the PS4 to market by a week. The PS4 release date is November 29 in the UK.

The Xbox One will retail for £429, while the PS4 is being offered for £349.